Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Thursday publicly acknowledged that the country’s nuclear facilities had suffered “significant and serious damages” after U.S. military strikes targeted three key nuclear sites. This admission marks the first official recognition of the extent of the damage, contradicting the earlier statements from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who characterized the strikes as largely ineffective.
Iran's Foreign Minister Confirms Significant Damage to Nuclear Facilities Following U.S. Strikes
Iran's Foreign Minister Confirms Significant Damage to Nuclear Facilities Following U.S. Strikes
Iran's assessment of damage from U.S. attacks contrasts with earlier claims of limited impact by its leadership.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is currently assessing the full extent of the damage, with Araghchi emphasizing that the destruction is considerable. “Our facilities have been seriously damaged,” he stated during an interview aired on state television, indicating a somber acknowledgment of the situation.
In a contrasting narrative, Ayatollah Khamenei had claimed that the American strikes did not achieve significant results and labeled assertions from President Trump regarding the obliteration of nuclear sites as “exaggerated.” This dichotomy highlights the tension and issues of credibility within Iran's leadership following the attacks.
Further complicating matters, Araghchi hinted at potential complications in Iran's relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He suggested that Iran might cease cooperation with the agency and questioned the likelihood of allowing access to its nuclear facilities by IAEA inspectors, particularly directing criticism towards the agency’s director, Rafael Grossi.
Additionally, the Iranian Guardian Council approved a hard-liner-backed bill to halt cooperation with the IAEA, a legislative move seen as a direct response to the U.S. bombing of the nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan over the past weekend. The rapidly escalating rhetoric and legislative actions point to a significant shift in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy following the recent military engagement.
In a contrasting narrative, Ayatollah Khamenei had claimed that the American strikes did not achieve significant results and labeled assertions from President Trump regarding the obliteration of nuclear sites as “exaggerated.” This dichotomy highlights the tension and issues of credibility within Iran's leadership following the attacks.
Further complicating matters, Araghchi hinted at potential complications in Iran's relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He suggested that Iran might cease cooperation with the agency and questioned the likelihood of allowing access to its nuclear facilities by IAEA inspectors, particularly directing criticism towards the agency’s director, Rafael Grossi.
Additionally, the Iranian Guardian Council approved a hard-liner-backed bill to halt cooperation with the IAEA, a legislative move seen as a direct response to the U.S. bombing of the nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan over the past weekend. The rapidly escalating rhetoric and legislative actions point to a significant shift in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy following the recent military engagement.
